The U's take on high flying Portsmouth
Cambridge United take on high Portsmouth FC in Sky Bet League Two, in front of what is expected to be a bumper crowd at the Abbey Stadium (KO 3:00pm).
Richard Money’s men claimed a valuable point last time out against York City with two late goals securing a 2-2 draw at Bootham Crescent. Captain Mark Roberts scored his first for the club, whilst Barry Corr marked his return with the equalizing goal in a comeback that the U’s will look to use a momentum shift in the season
Despite goalkeeper Chris Dunn joining Josh Coulson and Keith Keane on the current injury list for United, the likes of Corr, Ryan Donaldson, Jeff Hughes and Rory Gaffney are all a week further into their return to full match fitness and will be available for selection.
The visitors Portsmouth head into the match without a win in two games and will be looking at the fixture as an opportunity to return to their perilous early season form.
The south coast club started the season with nine game unbeaten run and leading the pack in the Sky Bet League Two table. Despite recent results, Pompey have since slipped to fourth in the standings three points adrift of league leaders Plymouth Argyle.
The U’s will be hungry to rectify the past results between the two sides with the U’s only ever getting the better of Portsmouth on one occasion, thanks to a 1-0 win back in 1978.
Discussing the current situation, Cambridge United manager Richard Money believes one notable display will shake the U’s into life this season and expects that a palpable atmosphere on Saturday at the Abbey Stadium this weekend could help his side achieve that.
He said: “We all feel that we need one big performance to kick start the season.
“We are looking at things that can really kick start us and the last 30 minutes in York, you would like to think will be carried forward to Saturday.”
He added: “The Portsmouth crowd are notorious and their away crowd is probably as good as anyone’s in the Premier League let alone Football League.
“But our crowd is terrific as well and they have been brilliant both home and away this season. I know they will be loud and supportive again this weekend, so it will be a big atmosphere and hopefully a fantastic game.”
Tickets for the game are still available online, with U’s fans able to make a £2 saving when purchasing in advance of match day. Click here to buy. Meanwhile, tickets will be available on game day from the ticket office right up to kick off.